B

ohol may be best known as the
home of the Chocolate Hills.
This island treasure is a series of
undulating hills over a vast plain
sometimes considered an “Eighth
Wonder of the World”. Bohol has at
least 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped,
simially-sized hills scattered
throughout the municipalities of
Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan.
They are covered in green grass,
which turns to brown during dry
season, making them look like
chocolate mounds.
But for divers this lovely island of
Bohol is another well-kept secret. A
home to proud and independent
people, Boholanos take care of the
many natural wonders of their land
and also those undersesa. Bohol is
the tenth largest island in the
country. Mainland Bohol is oval-

shaped and surrounded by 72

smaller islands, the largest of which

is the Panglao Island facing

Taglibaran City in the southwest.

Most of the people speak the native

dialect Boholano. Cebuano, Tagalog

and English are also widely spoken

and understood.

Numerous waterfalls and caves

are scattered across the island of

Bohol, including the beautiful Mag-

Aso Falls in Antequera. The water is

cool and often creates a mist in

humid mornings which can hide the

falls. Bohol is also known for the

Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta),

the smallest known living primate

dating back 45 million years.

Alona Beachis on Panglao. This

centerpiece of the island is a one

mile (1.5km) stretch of glittering

white sand. Divers flock here but

also to Balicasag, Cabilao,

newcomer Andaand other costal

retreats for some great diving

experiences. Alona Beach is a

jumping-off point for dive safaris

throughout the Visayas. Visitors

arrive through Taglibaran City.

Bohol

Chocolate Hills of Bohol

Crinoid shrimp